Phenotypic description of Egyptian endemic centipedes, genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 with a histological study of its venom glands

Centipedes are widely distributed over all continents. They have significant medicinal value and high toxicity, making them an intriguing subject for evolutionary research. The current study aims to provide the first comprehensive analysis of the morphology, description, and distribution preferences of the Egyptian Scolopendromorpha centipede fauna. According to surveillance research in Egypt, two Scolopendra species have been re-described. Scolopendra canidensNewport.1844 were discovered in only one location, whereas Scolopendra morsitans s Linnaeus,1758 was more abundant. Both venomous glands were histochemically investigated. This study is the first comparative report on the histology and histochemistry of the venom glands of the Egyptian centipede species. Both species’ glands are primarily composed of columnar secretory cells radially arranged side by side and open through pores in a central chitinous duct. Each secretory cell is enclosed in striated muscle fibers. The secretion of both glands takes the shape of small PAS-positive granules, suggesting the presence of neutral polysaccharides. According to this surveillance study, the most abundant species was Scolopendra morsitans s Linnaeus,1758. Scolopendra canidens canidensNewport.1844 were found only on the Northwest coast of Egypt. The findings also revealed that the analyzed species are comparable in terms of their venom morphology and fundamental chemical composition.

Recommended citation: Mona, M. M., Atlam, A. I. (2022): Phenotypic description of Egyptian endemic centipedes, genus Scolopendra Linnaeus, 1758 with a histological study of its venom glands. Zoomorphology, 141: 273-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00435-022-00573-5